The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-04
SCHEMES OF THE JOHNSONS
Preparation OF an Ordinance Giving
Them q Franchise for Cable Lines.
In the Meantime, However, They Are Consid-
ering the ACCESSIBILITY of Accepting an
Offer of 100000 for Their Property.

When the Dudley cable line ordinance was
first introduced in the council. Alderman King
had another in his pocket of like character. but
it's purpose was to endow the Citizens Street
Railway Company with the privilege of laying a
cable on one or more of its routes. At that time
Colonel johnson was in his talk very meek and
diplomatic concerning the operation of
the rival company. He warily kept from
any direct expression as to how
he would meet the danger that surrounded his
interests. except in stating he would no doubt
build a cable line on Massachusetts avenue. 1t
was his impression then that he could do it
under his present charter but that it seems he
discarded the King ordinance that never saw
the light in his interest. Why the alder
man did not have it introd uced in Council
ono knows unless he took warning from
what a colleague told him. King said.
Il have got cable ordinance
too to present" The colleague replied,
1T will have to be closely scrutinized before
yon can have it passed" This was said on the
certain presumption that the ordinance meant
further privileges for the Citizens company
Shortly after the Dudley ordinance was passed
it was stated that Mr.. Johnsons measure was to
be introduced at early meeting. 1t was at
time when anything looking in that direction
would have been killed by a decisive majority
both in the Council and Board of Aldermen The
johnson men realized this. and again refrained
from putting the measure before the public.
1t is thought now that Colonel johnson has
become FESTIVE under this delay and is about to
foreclose his mortgage Democratic council
men and aldermen, especially the municipal
cam paigu is not far away. It is certain that
such an ordinance in existence and that it
proposes to give the Johnsons cable line rights for
Washington street and Massachusetts avenue.
Who has it in charge is not definitely known, but
it is likely to come to the surface from some
Democratic councilman who is standing for re-
election. and Alderman King will attend to 1t
in his board. and his Democratic colleague,
Laut, from the Fourth district is a candidate
for reelection, with unfavorable prospects
for success if the Republicans are wise in
their choice of candidate. Laut and King in
variably act and vote together but King Is not
to return to the board. He hopes to have a
presentation there in the person of Tim Clarke,
who is the Jail turnkey under him. Clarke. it is
supposed will do in the board if he is elected
vote would Laut, therefore the supposirion is
fair that the latter will act and vote with
Clarke. But this Is only part of the Citizens
street railroad candidacy The arrange,
ment contemplates packing the board
with Democrats favorable to Johnson Hence.
if the opportunity offers for the passage of q
Johnson cable-line ordinance before the election,
it is hoped the personnel OF the two boards, par
that of the aldermen. will be such
to allow the measure TO be introduced.
Yet this ordinance is contingent on what the
Johnsons. the Colonel and Tom, conc ude To do
in the consultations they are low having in the
East The Colonel has been there the last
weeks to talk over with his proposition for
the purchase of his Indianapolis street railroad
lines it is said he has received from E. Z. Clay
pool. The Claypool Offer it is represented
is 100000 for the property, rating
in the bonds of the company. Col. johnson. it
is believed is willing to sell; but the other
hand if he does not accept this offer IL is thought
he will try obtain the right to operate the
Tom johnson cable system Massachusetts
avenue, which he claims he do at a much
less cost than he would have to pay on any other
system.